Elise perched on the kitchen counter, watching Nate casually sip his iced tea. He seemed too relaxed—like a man with a plan. Her eyes narrowed as he gave her that mischievous grin.
“So, I’ve been thinking...” Nate began.
Elise smirked. “Oh no. What now?”
Nate chuckled, setting his glass down. “I don’t want you managing the bar anymore.”
Her smile faltered, and she crossed her arms. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” Nate said, leaning closer with a playful look. “I want you to do the things you love. Whatever makes you happy. Painting, traveling, starting a blog about weird wine pairings—I don’t care, as long as you’re not stressing yourself out at that bar.”
Elise blinked, stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Seriously? You want me to quit? After I just started managing it?”
Nate shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“No way!” she said, hopping off the counter. “I like working. I’m not the type to just sit around doing nothing.”
“I’m not asking you to sit around!” Nate protested. “I’m just saying you don’t have to work so hard. I’ve got us covered. I own more businesses than you can count. You could relax, take up a hobby, or do literally anything you want!”
She shook her head with a small laugh. “And managing the bar is what I want. I love it there, Nate. I need to feel like I’m doing something meaningful, contributing to our life.”
Nate groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in mock frustration. “Elise, I swear, you’re the most stubborn person I know.”
“Oh, please. You love it,” she teased, poking his arm.
He grinned. “Yeah, but it’s also going to make me gray by 40.”
Elise laughed and swatted his shoulder. “You’ll survive. Besides, I’m really good at managing that place—better than you, probably.”
Nate gave her a playful glare. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”
“I prefer ‘determined,’” she quipped with a smug smile.
He shook his head, trying to fight a grin. “Fine. Keep managing the bar. But promise me one thing.”
“Depends on what it is,” she said cautiously.
“Promise you’ll take some time for yourself, too,” Nate said softly. “Don’t burn yourself out, okay?”
Elise’s expression softened. “I promise.”
Satisfied, Nate tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You drive me crazy,” he murmured, his lips brushing her forehead.
“Likewise,” Elise whispered, smiling as she tilted her head up for a kiss.
They kissed deeply, the kind that spoke of second chances and promises meant to last.
---
The sound of shuffling boxes filled the house as Julie packed her things into her car. Elise hovered nearby, offering help, but Julie waved her off with a playful grin.
“You’ve got a whole house to take care of now,” Julie teased. “Let me handle this.”
Elise rolled her eyes. “You say that like it’s a chore. I’m just happy you’re leaving some space for me to take over.”
Julie chuckled. “Well, it’s about time. You and Nate were inevitable, you know.”
Elise gave her a teasing nudge. “Oh, so you saw this coming?”
YOU ARE READING
If We Fall Again
Romance30-year old Elise is back in her old hometown. Her father just died and she's trying to navigate her new life between arranging her father's stuff, getting a new job and meeting her ex high school boyfriend. Elise Morgan is here and she may fall ag...
